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Luechtefeld, Bradley to offer election perspectives

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Two Southern Illinois legislators next week will offer their perspectives on the Nov. 2 election and what it means for the state during a program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, and state Rep. John E. Bradley, D-Marion, will discuss the outcome of Tuesday’s election and what they believe it means for state government and the University. The discussion is set for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 9, in Student Center Ballroom B.

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is sponsoring the discussion. The event is free and open to the public.

Luechtefeld and Bradley are “respected legislators from opposing political parties,” and David Yepsen, Institute director, said he anticipates an insightful discussion.

Yepsen said Illinois has budget problems and many entities and agencies in Southern Illinois rely on state appropriations. The state’s current budget deficit is approximately $13 billion and could reach as high as $15 billion, according to some media reports.

“The University, community colleges, schools, prisons, human service workers and health care providers are just a few examples of people who have a direct interest in what state officials are going to do to fix the financial mess,” Yepsen said.

Yepsen also said that many people in the community are interested in politics, and “this has been an exciting election campaign.”

“The outcome will have ramifications for all of us for years to come,” Yepsen said. “Sen. Luechtefeld and Rep. Bradley are two experienced and respected legislators, one from each party, who can talk a little politics with us and give us some idea of what is now going to happen in Springfield.”

Luechtefeld, the assistant minority leader, has been in the state senate for the 58th District since 1995. He is the former long-time basketball and baseball coach at Okawville High School. Luechtefeld earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University and his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Bradley has been state representative for the 117th District since his initial appointment in 2003. Bradley, who chairs the Illinois House Revenue Committee, was elected to a fourth two-year term on Tuesday running unopposed. Bradley earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and his law degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.